Country Road Group boss Raju Vuppalapati quits retailer

After a scandal that led to a Country Road store defaced by protesters, struggling sales and a brand reinvention, the boss of Country Road Group Raju Vuppalapati has resigned.

Country Road Group is looking for a new CEO. Picture: Britta Campion / The Australian

Country Road Group boss Raju Vuppalapati has left the fashion house after a four-year term battling struggling sales, diving profits and a workplace scandal that culminated in its flagship Melbourne store being defaced by protesters.

Mr Vuppalapati was at one point last year heckled by staff at a meeting to address the sexual harassment and bullying that had engulfed the retailer. Audio of that meeting was obtained by The Australian, revealing the abysmal staff morale at headquarters.

The fashion house, which owns Country Road, Trenery, Witchery, Mimco and Politix, is now left without a CEO at a time when its South African owner, Woolworths Holdings, has promised its own investors it would turn around the poor performing Australian business.

The workplace scandal at Country Road Group, revealed by The Australian, led to a series of executive departures and later a round of redundancies as Woolworths Holdings strived to repair the damaged brand and resuscitate its sales.

Country Road Group announced on Wednesday that Mr Vuppalapati had resigned to “pursue personal interests”.

Woolworths Holdings CEO Roy Bagattini, who last year flew to Australia from South Africa to manage the scandal, referenced the “successful reset of the Country Road Group operating model and culture, over the last year” as one of the “foundational and enduring accomplishments under [Vuppalapati’s] leadership.”

“The business transformation has been one of the most pivotal strategic initiatives undertaken by the group, positioning the business strongly to resume its profitable growth trajectory as a leading house of brands.”

Mr Vuppalapati joined Country Road Group in 2021 after serving as the boss of country outfitter R.M. Williams for almost seven years.

He said that while the decision to leave was a difficult one, he felt this was the right time.

“It has been a privilege to lead our passionate team and iconic brands. I know that I am leaving Country Road Group well positioned to pursue its next chapter with compelling strategies, a strengthened culture and clear pathway to reignite profitable growth.”

Mr Vuppalapati will continue in his role through to the end of August, ensuring a smooth

transition as a successor is appointed, the company said.

Originally published as Country Road Group boss Raju Vuppalapati quits retailer